What began as an unforgettable mountain adventure quickly became every dog owner’s worst nightmare.
Christina Bluhme, an experienced dog trainer with more than 25 years of working with canines, set out to hike Ben Nevis—the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom—with her son and two dogs. It was supposed to be a memorable day surrounded by breathtaking views and fresh mountain air.
Instead, it became a desperate race to save one of her beloved companions.
About three hours into the climb, Christina noticed that her 5-year-old black Labrador, Tokyo, wasn’t acting like herself.
At first, Tokyo began swaying as she walked, almost as though she had suddenly lost her balance. Within moments, her condition worsened dramatically. She could no longer stand properly, drifted in and out of consciousness, and eventually became unable to walk at all.
Christina knew something was terribly wrong.
The family had nearly reached the summit of the 4,413-foot mountain when Tokyo collapsed. To make matters worse, the weather had taken a turn for the worse. What had started as a clear day quickly became cold, rainy, and dangerous, with temperatures dropping significantly.
Reaching the summit no longer mattered.
Getting Tokyo to safety became the only priority.
Christina’s son called for emergency assistance, but there was uncertainty about whether a rescue team would even be able to reach them.
Fortunately, luck was on their side.
A volunteer crew from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team had just completed another rescue mission nearby and was already making its way down the mountain. Learning about Tokyo’s condition, the team immediately sprang into action.
With remarkable speed and skill, the rescuers carefully lifted the 55-pound Labrador into a stretcher and carried her down the steep, slippery trail.
Christina later recalled how amazed she was by their agility as they navigated the rugged terrain while ensuring Tokyo remained as stable as possible.
Once they reached the bottom, veterinarians were already waiting.
At first, doctors considered whether Tokyo might have suffered a spinal injury. But as they continued examining her symptoms, another possibility emerged.
After consulting with a poison control center, veterinarians concluded that Tokyo had most likely ingested cannabis that had been discarded somewhere along the hiking trail.
The substance had caused severe intoxication, leaving her unable to walk and drifting in and out of consciousness.
Tokyo was immediately treated with activated charcoal to help absorb the toxin.
Thankfully, the treatment worked.
By the following day, she had made a full recovery, almost as if nothing had happened.
For Christina, the emotional toll lingered much longer.
After fearing she might lose her beloved dog on the mountain, seeing Tokyo back to her happy, healthy self felt nothing short of miraculous.
Her experience also highlights an important reminder for pet owners.
As cannabis products become more common, accidental poisoning in dogs has become an increasing concern. Dogs are far more sensitive to the effects of cannabis than humans, and even a relatively small amount can lead to serious medical emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care.
While many hikers focus on obvious dangers like steep cliffs or changing weather, hidden hazards can also be found along popular trails.
Discarded food, litter, medications, and other substances can pose life-threatening risks to curious dogs who naturally explore the world with their noses and mouths.
Tokyo’s frightening ordeal could have ended very differently.
Instead, thanks to the quick thinking of her family, the incredible efforts of a dedicated mountain rescue team, and the fast response of local veterinarians, she returned home safe and healthy.
Her story is both a celebration of the people who stepped in to save her life and a valuable reminder that even the most beautiful outdoor adventures can hide unexpected dangers for our four-legged companions.
